Comments on the Nature of Music

[scardella]

In any art, whether it be music, painting, movies, whatever, there is always going to be a spectrum from the most intuitive to the most intellectualized.

We see it in movies from your popcorn comedy or action packed blockbuster to something witty and complex. You've got American Pie on one end and Amelie on the other. (For the record, I've seen neither.) We see it in art, from pop art to baroque masterpieces. In terms of food, just about everyone enjoys a good burger, but there is also the mystique of Emeril's creations. You can see it even in hand-to-hand combat. Boxing or warhammers are at one end and karate, jinjitsu, etc. or rapier duelling (think Zorro) are at the other. Another far-flung example is cars. Anyone can appreciate being thrown back in their seat by a 500HP Shelby Mustang GT500, whereas it takes more of an enthusiast to appreciate the singular purpose of a Lotus Exige.

Here is the crux of the issue: There is room in the world for the whole spectrum, but it takes an aficionado to appreciate the creme de la creme. The refinement can be lost on "the unwashed masses." However much Gregorian chant or classical music may be objectively better than popular music (whatever its genre or form), the lesser is not rendered invalid by the greater.

Genius lies in appealing to both sides. That is part of why Shakespeare is considered the greatest playwright. He did not solely appeal to high-brow intellectuals. There's quite a bit of bawdiness mixed in with the noblesse.

Finally, coming to the subject of "Christian" vs. "secular" music, that, too, is a spectrum. At one point, I wrongly thought it was a good thing to limit oneself to listening to only explicitly Christian music. Although God should be involved in all aspects of our lives, we don't have to write every song about worshipping God directly. We can glorify God in music, even if God isn't even mentioned. Otherwise, instrumental music would not be able to be considered religious.

Ok.. that's my thoughts on the issue. Have a nice day!

[misereremi]

[quote name='petrus_scholasticus' post='1037409' date='Aug 4 2006, 03:37 PM']

[b]By the way Misereremi:[/b]

These statements may conflict.

[i]I love string instruments and think the guitar is one of the most versatile instruments. [/i]

[i]The piano as the most versatile instrument is above all supreme in my eyes.[/i]

[color="#CC0000"][b][center]PIANO vs. GUITAR[/center][/b][/color]

[center] [/center]

On Gaurd!

Here is my invitation. With blade in line I will lunge and then use a straight thrust when we engage. My opinion stems from the fact that while the guitar may be slightly more versatile in its range of individual notes, the piano requires less manual dexterity and is overall creates a smoother and more flowing sound. Just a thought. Will you parry my advance, answer with a riposte, or will we disengage.

Anyway, how 'bout a drink after the battle.[/font]
[/quote]
My good sir! Dare you challenge a lady? I will parry that, or should I say “parade“-? (after all, le Francais etant la langue de l’escrime)

Of course we cannot argue about the sound, the two are very different. Can one bend notes or slide with agility from note to note, on a piano? Can a piano do pizzicato? Ever heard a piano “weep” like a guitar? And that the guitar requires more manual dexterity might be an indication of the repective level of skill that a guitarist needs to have in comparison to a pianist... :

Since we are talking about versatility, I would say that a guitarist can play any composition that a pianist performs, but not vice versa. Even an electric guitarist (take Yngwie Malmesteen for example).

I do love the piano, though. Can’t play it at all . I’m only a bassist, not a guitarist. God forgive me, I naively got involved in playing in a dark music scene. It might sound strange but many satanist rockers grew up playing and loving classical music. Some of their music has roots in classical music, with accelerated beats, arpeggios, distorsion, and guttural vocals. I used to listen to Paganini with them...

Sorry to hear about your arthritis, it's great that you can direct people to play (one of my friends has that capacity).

How about that drink, mate? Flamenco is beautiful.